PROJECT SUMMARY

To provide transport for 200 learners living in rural Somerset to enable them to have access to CMT Services Learning Centres in order for them to gain basic skills and a vocational qualification - particularly areas that are not on main public transport routes.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The project is designed to benefit long term unemployed, ex-offenders, probation service users, drug rehabilitation programmes. A seven-seater Zafira has been bought and a driver employed to provide transport for learners in rural Somerset, particularly areas that are not on main public transport routes. Areas covered so far have included amongst others, Frome, Shepton Mallett and Wells.

Transport is becoming a major barrier to learning and this project will provide a transport service focused on and specific to learners needs which will enable pre-level 2 learners with basic skills needs to gain literacy and numeracy qualifications through our Learndirect centres and a vocational qualification through our vocational training centre. All the training offered is free to the trainee (subject to status).

CMT has partnerships with Jobcentres throughout Somerset, WTCS, Avon and Somerset Probation Services, and is also involved in a lone parent initiative in partnership with job-centres.

During the first few months of the project, of those transported into the learning centre, 23 have obtained a fork-lift truck licence and had Information, Advice & Guidance advice to help with their CVs and job search skills. Twenty two have received basic skills training and of these 8 have achieved level 2 in Literacy or Numeracy, with 3 achieving Level 1.

The outcomes of the project are that within the 11 month period 200 learners from rural areas outside of accessible public transport, will have attended vocational and skills for life training. Of these 80% will have achieved a first skills for life test pass and 95% will have a vocational qualification, in either Industrial Plant and Operation, Construction Plant Operation, Customer Service training, Retail, and Catering.

www.cmtservices.co.uk